Hematemesis (Vomiting Blood) in Dogs

23 July 23, 2015
Dr. Bari Spielman
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Overview of Hematemesis (Vomiting Blood) in Dogs

Hematemesis is the act of vomiting blood. Hematemesis may involve the vomition of new or recent blood, which is bright red. It can also involve the vomition of old, partially digested blood, which has the appearance of brown coffee grounds. There are a variety of causes of vomiting blood and the effects on the animal are also variable. Some are subtle and minor ailments, while others are severe or life threatening.

General Causes

Clotting disorders (coagulopathies) that cause bleeding into the gastrointestinal tract

Gastrointestinal tract ulcerations, primarily of the stomach, esophagus or upper small intestine (duodenum)

Bleeding tumors of the stomach, esophagus and upper small intestine

Bleeding in the stomach or esophagus from the presence of foreign bodies

Administration of medications that are irritating to the stomach

Ingestion of foreign material or bones that lacerate the lining of the esophagus or stomach

Vomiting blood that has been swallowed, such as from bleeding in the mouth, from a nose bleed (epistaxis), from blood that was coughed up from the lungs (hemopytsis), or licked from the skin

What to Watch For

Blood in the vomitus. Fresh blood is usually bright red. Old, partially digested blood is brown and has the appearance of coffee grounds.

Anorexia

Diarrhea

Digested, dark black blood in the feces (melena)

Fresh, red blood in the feces (hematochezia)

Possibly abdominal pain

Paleness or pallor of the gums with severe blood loss

Rapid breathing with severe blood loss

Weakness, collapse, and shock with severe blood loss

Signs of bleeding at other sites in or on the body

Diagnostis of Hematemesis in Dogs

Complete blood count (CBC)

Biochemical profile

Urinalysis

Coagulation (clotting) profile

Abdominal and chest (thoracic) X-rays or radiographs

Abdominal ultrasonography

Upper gastrointestinal contrast study

Endoscopy of the esophagus, stomach and small intestinal tract

Examination of other sites of bleeding, such as examination of the mouth, chest x-rays, x-rays and scooping of the nose, etc.

Treatment of Hematemesis in Dogs

The vomiting of blood that represents bleeding within the gastrointestinal tract is a serious condition. It generally warrants hospitalization, the performance of numerous diagnostic tests, and at the very least, supportive care. Symptomatic therapy may include the following:

Determining the underlying cause and instituting specific treatments for the cause

Home Care

Call your veterinarian immediately if there is blood present in the vomitus, and administer all medications and dietary changes as directed by your veterinarian. Avoid drugs that might damage the gastrointestinal tract, such as corticosteroids and other anti-inflammatory drugs.

Information In-depth of Vomiting Blood in Dogs

Hematemesis is the presence of flakes, streaks or clots of fresh blood in the vomitus, or the presence of digested blood in the vomitus. Digested blood is often described as looking like coffee grounds. Hematemesis may be the only clinical sign, or it may be accompanied by other clinical signs. It is sometimes difficult for the pet owner to distinguish between true hematemesis, which involves bleeding within the gastrointestinal tract, from secondary hematemesis, which involves the vomiting of swallowed blood. Sneezing or coughing blood, and/or blood dripping from the mouth are signs of bleeding that may be swallowed into the stomach, and then secondarily vomited. A careful history and thorough physical examination will help distinguish between them.

True hematemesis usually indicates a serious underlying disease, and generally warrants hospitalization, extensive diagnostic testing, and supportive care. It is best to determine the underlying cause, and treat the specific problem, rather than attempting only symptomatic therapy.

Causes of Dogs Vomiting Blood

There are many potential causes for hematemesis. The most common causes are usually diseases or disorders of the upper gastrointestinal tract, although in some cases, clotting disorders (coagulopathies) may result in bleeding even though the gastrointestinal tract is essentially healthy.

Coagulopathies or bleeding disorders should be considered, especially if there is evidence of bleeding from other body sites as well. There are many different types of clotting disorders that can cause hematemesis.

Hemorrhagic gastroenteritis (HGE) is a syndrome seen in dogs whose cause is unknown. The dog usually experiences acute bloody diarrhea, although vomiting and/or hematemesis is may be seen as well.

Gastrointestinal ulcerations or erosions are one of the more common causes of hematemesis. These ulcers can occur with many different disorders, such as:

The overproduction of stomach acid from stress and certain tumors

Infiltrative diseases of the wall of the stomach or upper intestines, such as inflammatory bowel disease

Chronic inflammation of the esophagus, especially with regurgitation of acidic stomach contents

Chronic inflammation of the stomach, especially from bacteria such as Helicobacter

Administration of drugs that affect the lining of the stomach, including nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory agents and corticosteroids

Gastrointestinal foreign bodies or tumors, especially of the esophagus, stomach, upper small intestine

Perioperative hemorrhage (bleeding associated with surgical procedures) as in cases of gastrotomy (cutting into the stomach), gastrostomy (creating an opening in the stomach), or repair of a gastric dilatation volvulus (bloat/torsion)

Heavy metal intoxication with arsenic, lead and zinc (uncommon causes of hematemesis)